Here at the Texas: Slang for Crazy Podcast, we believe that experiences can be what make all the difference in life. Sometimes, those experiences are held off by funds. I was named the 2021 Young Miss International Spokesmodel and I want to share the joy by paying a first time participant’s entry fee so they…
The Invention of “Maverick”
A Texas politician is likely the reason we refer to some people as mavericks. Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Maverick https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/maverick-samuel-augustus https://www.uiw.edu/sanantonio/BexarCountyChiefJustice.html
The Only “Clothing Optional” Park in Texas
Just outside of Austin you can find the only clothing optional park in Texas, Hippie Hollow. Resources: https://do512.com/p/hippie-hollow https://do512.com/p/weirdest-things-in-austin https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/hippie-hollow Golden-cheeked Warbler and the Black-capped Vireo https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippie_Hollow_Park
The Parking Lot Cemetery
In Houston, Texas, a business parking lot has a strange neighbor. Resources: https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/32679 http://historichouston1836.com/hillendahl-cemetery/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CDeath%20is%20nature’s%20way%20of%20telling%20you%20to%20slow%20down.%E2%80%9D&text=This%20small%20(25’%20x%2055,auto%20repair%20shop%20parking%20lot. http://www.cemeteries-of-tx.com/Etx/Harris/cemetery/hillendahlgew.htm
BEKs (Black Eyed Kids)
You’re sitting in your car in Texas when two kids approach to ask you for a ride, but there’s something very wrong. These kids have eyes that are pure black. Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-eyed_children http://weekinweird.com/2016/07/28/beware-the-widow-ghosts-look-out-black-eyed-kids-theres-a-new-paranormal-nightmare-in-town/
Pecos Jane Gets Her Name
Over 50 years ago, a young woman was found in the deep end of a pool, but that’s just the start of the mystery. Resources: http://www.doenetwork.org/ https://www.namus.gov/ https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/pecos-jane-identified-forensic-genealogy/
Chipita Rodriguez and the South Texas Road to Hell
Chipita Rodriguez was killed for a crime she didn’t commit, and the history haunts a road in South Texas figuratively and literally. Resources: https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/2018/10/24/these-south-texas-urban-legends-send-chills-down-your-spine/1432390002/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chipita_Rodriguez https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/rodriguez-josefa-chipita https://www.caller.com/story/news/columnists/2017/10/16/chipita-rodriguezs-unjust-hanging-haunts-texas/769883001/
The Texan Who Created Liquid Paper
Bette Graham created something that helped change the typing pool for the better and became an office classic. Resources: https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/30-texas-women/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bette_Nesmith_Graham
The Don’t Mess With Texas Campaign
One of Texas’ most infamous slogans started as a way to stop trash. Resources: https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-daily-post/here-is-a-whole-bunch-of-unsanctioned-dont-mess-with-texas-merchandise/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/trashy-beginnings-dont-mess-texas-180962490/ https://shop.texashighways.com/dont-mess-with-texas https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/litter-did-we-know/
The Old Tunnel State Park
This week’s episode focuses on the smallest state park in Texas. Resources: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/old-tunnel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Tunnel_State_Park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fredericksburg_and_Northern_Railway
